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Moylan encouraged after batting practice

Moylan encouraged after batting practice

ATLANTA -- Braves reliever Peter Moylan threw batting practice on Monday for the first time since undergoing back surgery on May 17.

The right-hander threw 30 times -- using all of his pitches -- and came away pleased with the results.

"I felt good," he said. "It felt good to be back on the hill facing hitters."

Moylan will likely throw another round of BP on Wednesday before possibly beginning a rehab assignment. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez expected Moylan could be out for about a week on the following schedule: pitch, off-day, pitch and then two days off before finishing by pitching in consecutive games.

"He's anxious to get going," Gonzalez said. "We're really close to sending him out for a rehab assignment."

Moylan, who is still projected to be with the Braves sometime near the end of August, couldn't tell what kind of movement his pitches had Monday, but he knew he was having success against the hitters.

"They were hitting everything on the ground," he said. "That usually tells me the ball was going down at least a little bit."

He is certain of one thing, though: his back has never felt better.

"I think my arm strength has gotten better every bullpen," he said. "As far as the back goes, it's been perfect. There's not even a question about my back."